Hot Property: A mega-mogul’s desert showplace

LOS ANGELES — The onetime Palm Desert home of late Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub returned to market last week for $6.9 million, and in three days had an offer in hand.

The striking contemporarystyle home, which was designed and built for the mega-producer, was first offered three years ago for $16 million. More recently, it was listed at $9 million.

A work of architect Guy Dreier, the single-story house combines bold geometric shapes and natural finishes to striking effect. At the heart of the home is a massive common area divided by a floating fireplace feature. Pocketing walls of glass capitalize on the warmweather climate of the Coachella Valley while opening the space to mountain and golf course views.

Also within more than 9,150 square feet of living space is a center-island chef’s kitchen, a home theater, five bedrooms and a gym. A custom-built bar room was designed to evoke the pub at the historic Claridge’s hotel in London.

The house sits on about 1.5 acres in the Bighorn Country Club community and has two infinityedge swimming pools and two spas. A motor court and drivethrough garage also lie on the property.

Weintraub, who died in 2015 at 77, started his show business career as a talent agent, overseeing the tours of artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan. His credits as a producer include the “Karate Kid” and “Ocean’s Eleven” franchises.

Set decorator hopes to see action

Hollywood set decorator Jay Hart, who is up for an Academy Award for his work on the Marvel film “Black Panther,” has designs on a sale in Palm Springs. He's put his home of seven years on the market for $2.195 million.

The contemporary-style house, built in 1980, was reimagined by Hart and pairs a smooth stucco exterior with open living spaces awash in white walls and charcoal-hued flooring.

Beyond a courtyard entry, which holds a swimming pool, the single-story opens to a great room with vaulted ceilings and a marble fireplace.

An updated kitchen sits nearby and features custom cabinetry and an island with a waterfall edge.

A formal dining room, an office/den, a family room with a bar, three bedrooms and five updated bathrooms also lie within more than 4,100 square feet of interior. In the master bath, marble slabs bookend an eye-catching walk-in shower.

The home, which sits on more than an acre, also has a guesthouse with a separate entry. Desert landscaping fills out the walled and gated property.

Hart previously garnered Oscar nods for the films “L.A. Confidential” (1997) and “Pleasantville” (1998). In addition to “Black Panther,” he has worked on such superhero blockbusters as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and “Spider-Man 2.”

She’s got room for more company

Actress-entrepreneur Suzanne Somers and her husband, producer Alan Hamel, have bought a pedigreed home in the foothills of Palm Springs for $2.35 million.

Found on a ridge within a gated community, the custom-built house features the work of Steve Chase, the late interior designer who worked with Arthur Elrod before launching his eponymous firm in 1980. Rona Barrett, Farrah Fawcett and Gene Hackman were among his clients.

Built in 1978, the single-story house boasts such modernist staples as high ceilings, floor-toceiling windows and function space designed for entertaining. A mirrored ceiling tops a conversation pit in the great room, which has a two-way fireplace.

Nearly 4,900 square feet of living space also holds an eat-in kitchen, a dining room, four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.

Grounds measuring more than an acre include a separate casita, a spa and a swimming pool. Views from the property take in the Coachella Valley floor and surrounding mountains.

The property came up for sale in January for the first time in its history, records show.

Somers, 72, is known for the 1973 film “American Graffiti” and the sitcoms “Three's Company” and “Step by Step.” Hamel, 82, hosted such ‘60s TV game shows as “Wedding Party” and “Anniversary Game.” He also produced Somers' TV and video specials.

Last year, they were set to sell their longtime Palm Springs compound by auction with no reserve, but ultimately chose not to go through with the bidding process.

The 73-plus-acre property, which in the past has listed for as much as $35 million, is currently not for sale.

A modern beat in La Quinta

Universal Music Group Chairman and Chief Executive Lucian Grainge has paid $6.3 million for a modern home in Madison Club, a private golf course community in La Quinta, southeast of Palm Springs.

Designed and built in 2016 by architect Michael Kovac, the single-story home has four wings that surround an interior courtyard.

Inside, white walls and sparse decor bring a sense of spaciousness to the interior, which features a mix of natural elements and handcrafted finishes.

Within about 6,025 square feet of interior space are a living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room and a center-island kitchen.

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